Game 6: Spurs 91, Mavs 86 (3-3)

In the words of the Musers drop: I'm so scared, baby.

Let’s play a quick game of connect the dots as we look back at another memorable contest in the series that we shall not soon forget:

- The Mavericks had major trouble scoring last night at very crucial moments.
- Jason Terry, one of the best scorers on the team got himself suspended.
- The Mavericks lost.
- Jason Terry is to blame more than any member of that team (Even Devin).

Sorry, but that is the way I see it. I know you are supposed to be able to go on without a player, and for purposes of injury, I agree. Even for wrongful prosecution, I agree. But for getting yourself suspended, everyone can keep as brave a face as they want. The fact is that Jason Terry may have cost his team a chance of a lifetime based on 1 moment of losing his head.

But, redemption has a funny way of offering itself to those who need it most.

Game 7 Monday is Jason’s chance. To save his reputation around these parts, I suggest he play pretty well. I am sure he knows this. I would imagine it was tough to be him on his couch as Devin Harris played like he was scared out of his mind.

The game itself had many talking points. But to cut to the chase, the Spurs responded as you would expect a champion to respond. That “other level” that they have been talking about finally made an appearance when the Mavericks needed to find a hoop. Dallas took poor shots and had no chance at the glass. The Spurs are feeling great right now because they have pulled even in a race that ends on Monday night.

And now, exclusive Bob’s Blog Quick Hits from Game 6:

• Who thought that you could hold Tony Parker to 3-15 and Tim Duncan would finally play a reasonably average game (8-21 from the field) and you would not beat them on your home court? Well, the unstoppable offenses on both sides through 5 games were not unstoppable in Game 6. With the exception of Dirk on one end and Manu on the other, this game featured a lot of offense that did not look very pretty. This is the kind of game that everyone expected before the series started and neither team would be able to stop the other.

• Since we mentioned Dirk, I really believe he has found a new level. He is on a mission. His emotions have never been higher as a leader and he is trying to pull everyone with him. I cannot believe how good he was last night, and if you want to rip him for a bad shot at the end, I can agree with you until you stop for a second and ask who he was going to go to Not saying it was a good choice, but if ever a dude seemed like he was out there by himself, it was in the final minutes of last night as Stackhouse has missed everything he has shot since the first quarter, Devin Harris needs to see Dr Melfi, and Jason Terry was on his couch. Sue him for taking one bad shot In a monster performance.

• I believe this is where generic sports commentator says this: “You know, as close and competitive as this series has been, there is no other way it should end than in a Game 7”. Phooey. But, get ready to embrace that idea.

• 85-84, Spurs. 2:00 to play, and the Mavericks get another key stop. Devin Harris takes the ball in front of Avery Johnson and hits the gas down the sideline. By the time he gets past mid-court, Bennett Salvatore decides that this is a good time for him to take the game over and call Harris for a mysterious offensive foul on Bruce Bowen. Bowen sold it well, and Salvatore bit, so as the Mavericks are going for the lead, they get stopped. And not by the Spurs. So much for the home cooking that the first 5 games seemed to offer.

• Earlier in the series I wondered what planet Manu Ginobili was on and why he wasn’t a factor in the series. I would like to take that back. You might be able to start making cases for him for series MVP if there was such an award. That dude has likely silenced me for the rest of his career. What an awesome player. But, seriously; where was he in Game 1 and Game 2?

• You might have expected Marquis Daniels and Devin Harris to play like spares last night. We have all rushed Devin to superstar status in about 10 days, so you had to see one of these games coming. But Jerry Stackhouse? He starts 3-3 and finishes 1-12. Ouch. C’mon, brother. You aren’t helping that reputation of yours that says you are better when the game is not on the line.

• Greg Popovich is a genius. I am amazed at how good a coach he is.

• Don’t tell me that Michael Finley didn’t win that battle last night. I wanted to see him fail, too, but if ever a guy stuck it up the rear end of 20,000 people, Ol’ Fin-dog did just that last night. I am pretty sure he dedicated that to Mark Cuban.

• 84% of home teams win Game 7. The Spurs are home Monday.

• 16% of road teams win Game 7. The Mavericks are on the road Monday.

• Mavericks are 2-1 in Game 7’s all-time. Lost to the Lakers in ’88 on the road, beat Portland and Sacramento at home in ’03.

• If you thought Spurs fans were insufferable before this series, just wait until they get done with this comeback. If they are successful, you may not want to see your Spurs buddy on Tuesday. This is where rivalries are made.

• Can you imagine the pressure on Jason Terry? I have called him “nails” in this series. I guess we are about to find out.

• Beat SA, please?